A will enables a testator (the person making a will) to make sure that his/her family and loved ones are provided for and all possessions or property will be distributed in accordance with his/her wishes. This document is not designed for a complex and large estate that raises special tax considerations. This document should be used only for a basic estate which is below the threshold for the payment of inheritance tax and where discretionary trusts and settlements are not required. It has been specifically designed for use by a single person.
A Power of Attorney is a legal document where one party (the Principal) authorizes another party (the Agent or the Attorney-in-fact) to act on his or her behalf during an absence. This authority can specifically include or exclude several areas of interest, including matters of physical property, real estate, banking, insurance, tax matters, etc.
Traditionally, this authority ends when you become medically incapacitated. However, you have the option to make the Power of Attorney (1) "Durable" which means it will remain effective from the time of signing the document and if you become medically incapacitated; or (2) "Springing" which means it will only be effective upon you becoming medically incapacitated.
A California Advance Health Care Directive protects your right to refuse medical treatment you do not want, or to request treatment you do want, in the event you lose the ability to make decisions yourself.